Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's Early Warning and Assessment Division is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. This post is within the Secretariat of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) located at the Washington DC duty station. Under the supervision of the STAP Secretary, the incumbent will:

Responsibilities

1. Support the day-to-day functioning of the STAP by assisting with the management, coordination, and administrative support to the Panel with specific responsibility for chemicals and waste and climate change mitigation aspects of the STAP Programme of Work: a. Assist STAP Secretary in preparing and implementing STAP Programme of Work including oversight of programme deliverables and associated budget; b. Provide high-quality services to the Panel in the delivery of STAP’s Programme of Work; c. Assist in the organization of STAP regular meetings, including developing agendas, arranging meeting facilities and preparing meeting reports, and undertaking follow-up activities. d. Assist in organizing and preparing STAP thematic workshops, as well as documenting and communicating outputs and outcomes to the GEF partnership and beyond; e. Manage and contribute to the writing, editing, publication, and dissemination of STAP papers, reports, and other products; f. Identify STAP outside expertise and through relevant scientific and professional networks. 2. Help to organize and oversee the interaction between STAP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council, GEF Secretariat, GEF Evaluation Office, GEF Agencies, and respective Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) by: a. Following up on STAP’s contribution to GEF strategies and policies and relevant task forces and other technical groups to ensure that they are informed by the best available scientific and technical advice; b. Organizing and overseeing the distribution of project documentation and recommending revisions to STAP’s procedures for project screening as necessary. c. Undertaking the reviews of GEF projects, provide scientific and technical advice on needed improvement, discussing these with the GEF Agencies, and providing technical support as requested. d. Ensuring consultations between STAP and the GEF Secretariat and Agencies regarding strategic scientific and technical issues. e. Maintaining adequate and effective liaison arrangements, where applicable, with the Secretariats of MEAs supported by the GEF, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Basel, Stockholm, and Rotterdam Conventions, and Minamata Convention on Mercury, including their respective subsidiary bodies for scientific and technological advice and related technical bodies, and coordinating with STAP Secretariat colleagues where there are overlaps in thematic work-related to Conventions. 3. Appraise the STAP of strategic scientific and technical issues affecting GEF policies, strategies, and programs by: a. Identifying, reviewing, and recommending to STAP, policy, strategic, and operational issues requiring STAP’s analysis and advice. b. Preparing background papers for STAP discussions, including consolidating and synthesizing issues and options. c. Developing cooperative activities with the multilateral environmental agreements and its scientific bodies related to STAP work. d. Supporting STAP in identifying and following up on emerging scientific and technical issues of significance for the GEF. e. Providing substantive comments on STAP’s papers and reviews. 4. Contribute to the mobilization of scientific and technical expertise, including networks of scientific institutions and bodies into the GEF so that STAP functions as a conduit between the GEF and the Scientific community at large by: a. Contributing to the assessment of nominees for members of STAP. b. Promoting the participation of STAP in international scientific initiatives relevant to the GEF focal areas. c. Informing STAP on major scientific and technical activities undertaken by GEF Agencies, the MEAs, and other scientific and technical agencies and identifying opportunities for their participation in STAP activities. 5.Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 6.Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of and expertise in Chemicals and Waste and Climate Change Mitigation. Ability to manage and advise senior-level scientist Panel Members; to undertake corporate work on behalf of the STAP Secretariat, for example, preparing presentations, working on cross-cutting issues; to contribute to the efficient operation of the STAP Secretariat; to mobilize scientific and technical expertise through global networks for the benefit of the GEF; to plan, organize, and prioritize assignments, making adjustments as necessary, in order to achieve set goals; and to communicate clearly, asking questions for clarity, and keeping the team informed appropriately. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in natural, physical, or environmental science and management, with specialization in global environmental issues, chemicals and waste management, and climate change mitigation. or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in programme management, focusing on chemicals/waste management and/or climate change mitigation, of which at least three (3) years at the international level, is required. Experience in working with the scientific and technical community to bridge the science-policy gap and develop policy-relevant advice is required. Experience in working on at least one other thematic area of relevance to the GEF, i.e., international waters, climate adaptation, biodiversity, or land degradation, is desirable. Experience working directly with Conventions supported by the GEF and a GEF Agency is desirable. A minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. NOTE: "fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the and of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.